Rising Spring Pond Water Temperature, What To Know

Spring is around the corner, the sun will get stronger and the spring pond water temperature will rise.

What happens to your fish?

Feeding becomes more evident as the spring pond water temperature increases.  Carp and similar species have no stomach just a long intestine, when the water goes over 55 Degrees Fahrenheit, they begin to absorb more, eat more and finally come out of winter hibernation.  Increase your feeding and use a higher protein food as the fish can now utilize it.  The fishes respiration increases as the water becomes less dense and the temperature increases, so look at the oxygen levels, turn the fountain or waterfall back on to increase O2 levels.

Add an aerator, if needed, to increase saturated oxygen levels as warmer water will not hold as much oxygen, particularly when the temperature hits 85 degrees Fahrenheit pond fish generally need a minimum of 7 ppm (parts per million) of dissolved oxygen. An average pond will drop down to 8 ppm of dissolved oxygen at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. At 86 degrees Fahrenheit, the amount of oxygen can drop to below 5ppm of dissolved oxygen.

What happens to the plants?

Plants wake back up again as the temperatures climb. Always trim back dead winter leaves to start and look at repotting if needed to allow the plant to flourish.

Pond Tips for Rising Pond Water Temperature

• As the water temperature increases, add a spring bacteria to turbo boost the ecosystem
• Check for Winter damage to the liner and filtration systems
• Think about frogs and other amphibians who will want to use the pond, can they get out?
• Read our other Pond Article on Spring Cleaning your Backyard Koi Fish Pond on this link!

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Here Are Some Facts and Benefits for Using EPDM Pond liner

Here Are Some Facts and Benefits for Using EPDM Pond liner.  At Pond H2o, we have a bevy of pond liners you can purchase to keep your water garden pristine and healthy.  Today, however, we will be specifically assessing the effectiveness of EPDM pond liner, an option that offers both high quality and flexibility.

It provides versatility

A koi pond under construction by Biofilter tech via Wikimedia Commons.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) pond liners are also known as one of the more flexible pond liners on the market. In other words, they can be used to form sizes and shapes at your discretion.  Typically, one sheet of EPDM rubber will be sufficient enough to meet the needs of your average pond. However, this will depend on your pond’s size. If yours is on the larger side, you can use multiple liners.

Easy Installation

Another of the benefits for using EPDM pond liner and a testament to pond liners, especially with the EPDM variation, is its simple installation. You don’t have to be a professional to install this pond liner. Although it should be noted that you will need butyl tape and top quality pond adhesive, like PondH2o’s product Gold Label sealant, to make sure the seams are waterproofed.

The quality is ensured

Seaming a EPDM pond liner by Aquascape Ponds via YouTube.

There are other flexible pond liners that have trouble holding up over the course of time. However, EPDM liners provide your water garden koi fish pond with longevity—enabling you to save money in the long run. 

For example, if you opt for a low-grade plastic or vinyl pond liner, there’s a higher chance it will eventually develop cuts and tears. Another variation known as PVC liners—typically found in above ground swimming pools —tend to be susceptible to punctures, too. PVC Pond Liners have a great starting price point and are easy to install, but can dry out in the sunlight.  With EPDM liners, however, the material is much more resilient and longer lasting. 

Practicality

And there’s a practical reason for this. EPDM liners were originally made for flat roofs so that they can be more water resistant over time. However, once this liner became popularized and buyers made aware of its sturdy material, EPDM liners soon became one of the most widely used pond liners in the U.S.

After installation, you can be assured these are qualified for your pond and are fish friendly. And while there is no perfectly impervious pond liner on the market, this will provide you with much more resiliency and flexibility than the average.

It is important to note that since EPDM liners are made from high quality materials, they tend to be more expensive than its competitors. Although as the old adage goes, ‘you get what you pay for,’ and this is certainly the case with this variant. 

In the long run, you will be much less likely to replace this with other liners. In addition, an EPDM pond liner will withstand  harsh, colder climates, too. 

As far as upkeep, the most salient matter is to make sure your EPDM pond liner is consistently obfuscated from sunlight. Otherwise, the strength of the lining material can weaken over time.

Buy our fish pond liners designed to fit every budget today to get started, including from our EPDM, LDPE, and other pond liners.

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5 Reasons to Aerate Your Water Garden Pond

One of the more foundational elements of maintaining a clean pond is consistent aeration. Here are PondH2o’s 5 Reasons to Aerate Your Water Garden Pond.  

Some products out there work from the bottom up, while others utilize the inverse strategy. Either way, the overall goal to aerate your water garden pond is to increase the dissolved oxygen levels which equates to a healthy pond and fish habitat, especially during the winter time.

• Find the correct sized aerator for your water garden

Many water garden ponds tend to rely exclusively on a collection of waterfalls for aeration. While this can be a solid and effective method, this typically results in aerating only the surface of the pond while the bottom remains neglected. Ultimately, this can create what is known as an anaerobic environment which means one with extremely low oxygen levels in areas of the pond.

Ground to surface aeration by Everyday Aquarist via Youtube.

Therefore, make sure you are always choosing the correct pond aeration system to both aerate from the top and bottom of the pond.

• Higher oxygen stimulate the number of aerobic bacteria in the pond

In any pond habitat, there are billions of living bacteria at the bottom of the pond. Aerobic bacteria is bacteria that can only live and thrive in an oxygenated environment.  However, this bacteria also manifest important functions that involve the dissolution of organic debris and the breakdown of pond muck. It serves to note, too, that low bacteria levels can also result in an increase in organic build-up at the bottom of the pond, which you want to avoid at all costs. 

Bacteria molecules in pond water by Jasper Nance via Flikr.

In other words, if you have a build-up of organic debris, this can lead to unwanted changes in your water garden, such as discolored green water. This can be easily curtailed by increasing the amount of aerobic bacteria to sustain the constant organic load trickling into the pond. 

• Aeration serves as a proxy for de-icing during the winter months

During the winter months, your filtration system and fish will be dormant. As this happens, the aforementioned organic debris will continue to decompose and release gas into the water. The gas then can become trapped in the ice which supplants the oxygen and in turn can be fatal to the fish.

Bird bath deicer by fishhawk via Flikr.

And while heaters and deicers can serve the useful purpose of providing ventilation, they can’t provide macro circulation for the gases throughout the pond. Thanks to aeration, this discourages ice formation and also helps distribute the toxic gases to the surface to be released and ensures your fish are safe during the winter months.

• It’s a money saver, too

Saving money by 401 (K) 2012 via Flikr.

As mentioned previously, you can aerate your water garden by using a waterfall pump in the winter. However, this can be a quite draining (no pun intended) expense. Conversely, if you opt to use a properly sized solar aerator, this can nullify the need to use the waterfall pump on a regular basis, and thereby saving hundreds of dollars a year in the process, too.

• Decrease overall pond maintenance 

By chronically running your solar aerator on a year-round basis, you can thereby drastically reduce both the maintenance you have to perform and the costs, too. In addition to the other benefits, an oxygen-rich water habitat enables a robust bacteria population which helps remove organic debris, nullify harmful gases and helps lower ammonia and nitrate levels, too. 

A koi pond near Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand by Siddarth Mallya via Wikimedia Commons.

Now that your pond is utilizing these aeration techniques, make sure to check out our Water Garden Koi Fish Pond Aeration Products from PondH2o to optimally oxygenate your water garden.

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Top Tips for Taking Care of a Koi Fish Pond

Our latest article on the top tips for taking care of a koi fish pond.  A koi fish, is a fish that can live up to more than three decades, nishikigoi, commonly known as koi, colorful carp fish that are kept as ornamental decorative pets in a backyard pond. 

Indeed, their average lifespans—upwards of 25 years—are protracted in captivity, which makes it even more crucial to create a healthy habitat for them.  However, sustaining a thriving koi pond can be tricky, especially for novices who lack necessary experience in these matters. No worries – that’s why Pond H2o is here to help with our Top Tips for Taking care of a Koi Fish Pond.

Here are some of the more exigent points to help you create and subsequently maintain a healthy koi fish pond.

• Frequently change the water 

A koi fish pond in the Kranji countryside, Singapore by Eustaquio Santimano via Flikr.

After the installation of your koi pond, evaporation will gradually take place over time, especially in warmer climates. This leads to a decrease in the water, which in turn leaves behind minerals and other substances that could eventually hinder its quality. Due to this inevitability, you will lose at least 10 to 15 percent of water on a weekly basis and need to refill the pond to the required level—depending on the size of your pond. Also, it is never recommended to do a full water change in your pond, as this will shock your fish and their habitat.

• Monitor and control the algae

Algae-covered pond in Township, Michigan by Dwight Burdette via Wikimedia Commons.

During the filtration process—which we will delve into later—ammonia in the pond is transformed into nitrate—a harmless substance. However, nitrate allows algae to grow and thrive throughout, which can be detrimental to the koi. A superfluous amount of algae can deprive the koi of oxygen. To prevent this, use algaecides and carefully read the instructions, as the frequency of use will depend on the product in question. Perform regular tests on your pond water quality.

• Make sure to clean your filter

Fish pond with a barrel used for the filter by cskk via Flikr.

Typically, most biological pond filters should be cleaned and maintained every two weeks. However, this largely depends on the ratio of fish to water, and the surrounding conditions, too.   You will also need to determine how often the filter needs to be backwashed. This can be done by checking the pressure gauge—if it is reading much higher than usual, then you’ll need to backwash it.

• Seasonality

Koi pond meditation garden by Wonderlane via Flikr.

Your koi fish pond maintenance strategy will also be dependent on the season. During colder months, it is imperative to cut or trim all dying leaves from the aquatic plants.  Also the surface of your pond may freeze during the winter (depending where you live), so it’s important to purchase a floating pond aerator to put in one of the sections of the water to prevent freezing. 

For the spring and summer months, the time for pond cleaning becomes much easier, and more apparent—thanks to debris carried over from the winter. For this, transfer the koi to holding tanks to make for a more streamlined, expeditious cleaning process, since there will likely be a lot of debris to clean out and will ensure lower stress levels for the koi fish. 

• Address and remedy any leaks

A koi pond by brewbooks via Wikimedia Commons. 

As mentioned, water levels decrease naturally due to evaporation. If the leakage is increasing, it’s probably safe to assume there is a leak. Overall, it is normal for a koi pond to lose about ½ inches of water per day. However, any loss greater than that rate is likely an indication there is a leakage. To stabilize the pond’s conditions, repair any leak(s) as soon as possible. 

For more of our products, specifically one that helps transfer your koi fish during a spring or summer cleaning, check out our heavy duty waterproof koi fish transport sock.

7 Tricks to Keep Your Pond Fresh and Clean

Whether you are a homeowner or environmental caretaker, keeping your pond clean with ease becomes a paramount issue for your koi fish pond or water garden. Follow our simple 7 tricks to keep you pond fresh and clean.

To that end, most vigilant water garden pond owners will know that clean water will factor into a salubrious pond. On the flip side, if you don’t know how to keep a pristine pond, this can be a challenge to say the least. And the telltale signs could be more subtle than you may think.

For example, your typical backyard koi fish pond or water garden water might look crystal clear, but if your fish are exhibiting unusual behavior, this could mean your pond needs to be cleaned.

With our 7 Tricks to Keep Your Pond Fresh and Clean, this process will be much easier for your precious water garden habitat.

1.) Curate and maintain a healthy fish population

Fisher in Oliver’s Pond by Clayton Sieg via Flikr.

One of the ways to determine whether your pond is sufficient to host a vibrant fish population is to assess the total fish to your gallon levels. For example, if you have a pond of 100 gallons or more, then you should have no more than 10” of fish. Otherwise, your aquatic paradise is likely over-populated, which can lead to a disproportionate level of fish waste.

If this is the case with you, then you may want to contact a pond retailer or third party contractor to buy your fish. This is generally an easy process and can be streamlined, too.

2.) Make sure to properly feed your fish

An artificial feeding pond for fishes by Avinashmambully via Wikimedia Commons.

This next tip should go without saying, but you would be surprised to find that many pond owners do not treat their fish well; and this can lead to some potentially intractable consequences. If you overfeed your fish, not only can this lead to likely potential health problems, but it can lead to detrimental issues for your pond, too.

For starters, the surplus amount of uneaten food will decay in the water. To prevent this, try to feed your fish no more than once per day and make sure to use quality fish food— preferably that floats. Always remove uneaten food.

3.) Sustain a healthy balance of plants

Fauna in a pond by FarfOuille via Pixabay.

During the peak times of the season, you should typically have anywhere from 40% to 60% of the surface area of your pond either covered in or shaded by flora. However, a surfeit amount of anything is typically not an efficacious scenario.

With too much flora, there comes an excess of oxygen which in turn stymies the photosynthetic process—which is crucial for plants to give off carbon dioxide. In other words, your fish need an ample amount of oxygen to survive. So a superfluous amount of plants could be detrimental to their survival.

4.) Choose the correct size pump for your pond

A solar-powered water fountain in a pond by Squigfried via Wikimedia Commons.

While this may seem like a trivial step, it’s crucial for the health and even safety for both the fish and the pond. Typically, you should be circulating the entirety of your pond’s water at a minimum rate of once per hour. Additionally, you should check the backfill of your pump to see if there is any internal obstruction.

As always, you want to make sure your upkeep products for your pond are up to date with exceptional quality. To better equip your aquatic masterpiece, check out our pond, which includes different filters (which we’ll cover later), pumps and other accessories.

5.) Invest in Quality Pond Tools

Girl using a fishing net by USFWS via Pixnio.

This could be the simple fix your pond desperately needs. With a pond brush and other quality products, you’ll be able to remove unwanted algae—a common occurrence—or other floating debris that can abjectly affect the environment your fish need to thrive. These are typically inexpensive items, so you won’t necessarily have to take a cut from your pond budget to make purchases.

The processes are simple, too, as you’ll only have to spend about 10 minutes per day removing leaves, twigs and other debris from your pond. At the same time, you may want to invest in a skimmer net. Routine pond maintenance is a key to a healthy and clean pond.

6.) Choose the correct filtration system

Traditional coping on an NSP pool with adjoined side pond by Enricoslasheric via Wikimedia Commons.

As with your pump, your pond’s filter should also be comparable to the size of your pond. As with any other filter, remember to clean it regularly according to the instructions. For the size, you want it to be outfitted as close to the dimensions of your pond as possible, too.

For filters, there are generally types you should be aware of as a pond owner. There are Biological and Mechanical pond filter systems. They can be further broken down into Gravity filters and box style filters, which utilize both biological and mechanical filtration techniques to optimize beneficial bacteria.

7.) Maintain beneficial bacteria

Cyanobacteria in a freshwater pond by Christian Fischer via Wikimedia Commons.

Speaking of bacteria, adding this to your pond is actually instrumental to a continual healthy life cycle. By specifically infusing biodegradable bacteria packs once per month, for instance, you’ll be ensuring a clean pond.

When adding any pond water treatment, you’ll need to know the total gallons of your pond.  In order to properly add the appropriate amount of the aforementioned water treatment. Always remember to scrupulously read the instructions, and follow product guidelines.

For more information on how to clean your pond and help ensure you are using the correct products for clarity, health and appearance, make sure to check out our selection of pond filter media and follow these simple 7 Tricks to Keep Your Pond Fresh and Clean.

Finding and Fixing a Pond Water Leak

Finding and fixing a pond water leak can be the worst nightmare for a water garden koi fish pond owner. One day the pond is normal, then the next day the water level as dropped.
Leaks in water garden koi fish ponds can be caused by many different ways, roots pushing through, sharp stones puncturing the liner, had one report of a bear scratching at the liner and ripping it with sharp claws.

So how do you go about finding and fixing a leak in your water garden pond:

1. Fill the pond back up to the usual level.
2. Check all fittings, hoses, filters, external pumps, waterfalls, spitter fountains, anything that might be leaking to see if that is the cause.
3. Wait for the water level to drop and hold that level, this means that below that point is water tight so the leak is on that approximate level, if it carries on and totally drains the pond so leak is on the bottom.
4. Find the cause and work out if fixable. No point in repairing a leak caused by roots, it will only do it again. If it is fixable good news.
5. PondH2o sell different types of products that will fix a leaking liner.
6. All fixing kits will require a clean dry algae free surface so clean the liner.
7. Patch or infill with adhesive and leave to dry, Some of our gold label products will seal under water to make it even easier.
8. Refill the pond and wait to see if as worked.

Finding and fixing a Pond Water Leak should not seem overwhelming, by following PondH2o’s simple steps – your pond will be back to normal water levels.

Best Ways To Winterize Your Pond

Winter signals the end of the koi fish water garden pond year and can often be the most challenging season for the pond keeper.  Water freezes cutting off gas exchange or total freezes encasing the residents of the fish pond among many of the scenario’s that have to be handled.  There are two main ways to Winterize your fish pond. We will look at both options.

1. Everything Keeps Running

Ideally fish pond is 24-36 inches deep and located in southern half of the USA.
1. Clean out the pond bottom to make sure the pond is deep as possible and to remove any decaying matter that as built up over the Fall.
2. Cover the pond with pond netting to stop leaves and other debris been allowed into the pond, this is important as not to allow a build up of decaying matter in the bottom of the pond releasing gases that may not be able to escape if a layer of ice develops.
3. Add ice preventative device or aeration to keep the pond surface moving to prevent freezing.

2. Pumps & Filters Are Turned Off

This is more suited for ponds located in the northern states where a hard winter is expected.
1. Clean out the pond bottom to make sure the pond is deep as possible and to remove any decaying matter that as built up over the Fall.
2. Remove the pond pump and Filter, if the filter can not be removed, empty where possible of water and remove parts like the uv clarifer.
3. Blow any buried hose tubing that may be connecting the two with air to remove as much water as possible, when water freezes it expands so could damage the hose.
4. Add an ice preventative device or aeration to keep the pond surface moving to prevent freezing. This is important not to allow the pond to totally freeze so gas exchange can still take place.

Useful Tips

If a pond freezes solid, melt a hole with hot water from a kettle, never crack the ice , the shock waves may injure the fish.  If aeration is used, ensure the bubbler airstone is 6 inches below the surface.  In this way does not drag up warmer water from under the thermocline and cool it down.  Change 25% Of the water and check the water readings with a test kit.

Useful items to purchase:

Floating Pond Thermometer

Wheatgerm based fish food to be used when water is over 50 Degrees constant.

Spring & Fall Bacteria Additive

PondH2o is your one stop for all products needed to winterize your water garden koi fish pond.

Choosing a Location for your Pond

Choosing a location for your pond takes some careful consideration. Read our tips below to make sure you pick the perfect place in your garden.

1. Install your pond on level ground with good drainage.
2. Plan the most direct line possible between the house and pond if you will be needing electrical wiring for pond pumps or filters for example.
3. Contact your local municipality to determine if a permit is required.
4. Make sure the site isn’t directly over any underground pipes, cables, wires, sprinklers or septic systems!
5. Being near an outdoor faucet so you can add water to the pond from a garden hose would be very helpful.
6. The more sunlight the pond gets each day, the more choices of water plants you have. If adding fish to your pond, a balance of sun with some shade during the hottest part of the day is best. Try adding water lilies or lotus pads, reeds, shrubs and grasses as additional shade options.
7. Avoid choosing a location for your pond near large trees or in open windy areas. Falling leaves and needles contaminate the water and collect on the bottom of the pond.

You’ll find many products for your pond within our online pond supply store. Read more on our blog on How to Dig a Pond https://www.pondh2o.com/2019/07/03/how-to-dig-a-pond/ and Installing a Pond Liner https://www.pondh2o.com/2019/07/03/installing-pond-liner/.

Call 811 from anywhere in the country a few days prior to digging, and your call will be routed to your local one call center. Tell the operator where you’re planning to dig . Your affected local utility companies will be notified about your intent to dig and will send locators to your dig site to mark the approximate location of buried lines with flags or paint.